Luis Diaz 'asks to leave Liverpool' as Bayern Munich transfer approved by boss

Bayern Munich reportedly remain hopeful of securing Luis Diaz, despite Liverpool dismissing their initial £58.6million bid for the winger. The Reds are aware that the Colombian international is keen to move on, but they have held firm in their valuation of Diaz, potentially at a staggering £86m.

Diaz's contribution of 17 goals and eight assists in 50 appearances was instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in the 2024/25 season, and head coach Arne Slot is eager to retain him. Liverpool have been very active in the summer transfer market, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez to bolster their squad. Their sights are now set on Hugo Ekitike, with terms already agreed with the Eintracht Frankfurt striker.

Despite Newcastle's £70 million bid being rejected by Frankfurt, Liverpool are confident they can secure Ekitike for a slightly higher fee, given the Frenchman's preference for a move to Anfield. However, this could pave the way for Diaz's departure to Bayern.

German publication Bild suggests that Bayern are undeterred by their initial offer being rebuffed and have arranged a meeting with Liverpool executives to further negotiate Diaz's transfer. Diaz, who has already agreed terms with Bayern, is reportedly eager to emulate Sadio Mane and depart two years before his contract expiration.

While Sky Sports Germany claim that Diaz has already asked to leave Anfield and Bayern's pursuit has been approved by boss Vincent Kompany.

Bayern are reportedly convinced that Liverpool will need to sell Diaz once they finalise the signing of Ekitike. The Merseyside club has already splurged over £180m on new acquisitions this summer without significant sales, as players like Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Nat Phillips have not brought in substantial funds.

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Diaz is said to be discontented with Liverpool's reluctance to offer him a new contract, leaving him on lesser terms than what he signed upon his arrival from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5m.

Despite contributing 41 goals and 23 assists in 148 appearances for Liverpool, Diaz is said to feel undervalued compared to team-mates like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, who secured lucrative deals earlier this year.

With Barcelona and Saudi Arabian clubs previously showing interest, Bayern Munich now appear to be a serious contender for his signature.

This marks a shift from Diaz's sentiments at the end of last season when he expressed contentment at Liverpool, saying to the club's website in May: "I feel I'm going through a really good period. I'm really happy to be here, to be part of this great institution, this great club and to have great team-mates around me.

"From the moment I arrived, I felt great pride. I always tried to work hard for this, and to see that nowadays things are working out for me fills me with pride and I'm really happy because that's what I work for."